Come Sunday, November 1st, the Latin alternative media company, Al Borde, will transform East L.A.’s El Gallo Plaza into a multi–faceted event to celebrate Día de los Muertos. For the fifth consecutive year, Al Borde will bring together art, food, music and entertainment into a free, family festivity that will have something for every member of the family. A 21+ drinking area sponsored by Boost Mobile and El Jimador, a kids’ coloring contest by Wells Fargo and Al Borde, a live musical performance by the incomparable, LA-based La Santa Cecilia , altar and art competitions, and food for the entire family are some of the activities that will make up an evening of fun.
La Santa Cecilia will be the evening’s highlight with their repertoire of indie folk tunes that have piqued the interest of media at large, and most recently landed them an opening slot for none other than Lila Downs. “We love being part of community based events,” states guitarist Gloria Estrada. “Our band has some norteño songs, some jazz and some cumbias, so we definitely get booked a lot for Cinco de Mayo, Day of the Dead and Latino holidays such as these. And our fans are just as eclectic as is our music so we have a little bit for everyone.”
In addition to promoting local bands, the event will also showcase artwork from underground artists. Steven Amado, best known in the art scene as “Chatismo”, put together the Day of the Dead altar and art pieces that will compete for a grand prize. “I’ve worked with Al Borde before by entering some of my pieces in competitions and such, but this is the first time that I handpicked all of the participating artists.” In the spirit of promoting local talent, Chatismo selected 15 local artists to compete for the grand prize, as well as four altar artists who will also be competing for a separate grand prize of $100 and an artist’s profile on Al Borde.com. “As with any of my shows, I always try to incorporate a mix of both fine art and low brow artists, as well as freshman and veteran artists, and male and female artists. I can’t wait to see what these amazing artists have created for the show!” Aside from the local artists’ altar and art contests, a children’s art contest will be taking place in a separate room. As part of Wells Fargo and Al Borde’s coloring contest, one lucky attendee will also walk away with the grand prize of a family pack of tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
“It’s great that the event is inviting to the entire family,” states Gloria. “During these economic times even a $10 or $20 ticket to a show is pretty steep for most families. So it’s a great thing to have an event that keeps the tradition alive and offers music, drinks and entertainment for free. It keeps their spirits alive.”
Doors for the Día de los Muertos event open at 5 p.m. and festivities will conclude at 9:00p.m. RSVP’s for the event can be sent here and to keep in the loop with future Al Borde-presented events, sign up to Al Borde Mobile right here, right now!
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